Sometimes, we learn better when conversing with someone our age. It breeds a sense of connection and understanding, furthering the possibility for a valuable exchange of information. In this case, LBHS has an amazing way for its students to be tutored by their fellow students.
Ms. Sargent’s Peer Tutoring Lab is a place for such things. Every Monday through Thursday before school, during the tutorial, and after School concludes, breakers can get math health information from their peers and Ms. Sargent herself. Our resident Geometry and Algebra 2 guru, Ms. Sargent, fosters a beautiful environment for kids to learn and be with people with them, even in the same math classes as them!
Ms. Sargent joined our Breaker Staff last year. Immediately after a warm face on campus, Ms. Sargent perfectly blends learning with understanding; she makes sure to aid you and help you along, not make you feel dumb, which is such a valuable trait in a teacher.
After teaching for 11 years in Colorado Springs, Ms. Sargent brought her newfound knowledge and experience back to her home, Orange County. Back in Colorado, she detected a significant need for math support. The school had a whopping 1,800 students (about double our size), meaning many needed help, but there wasn’t enough help. This inspired her to create the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Lab, which she described as a “force multiplier.” It helped meet the needs of many students and created an effective and easy force for peer tutors.
At Laguna Beach High, Ms. Sargent has cultivated a similar system, training 61 peer tutors who were all recommended by their teachers. She aims to guarantee that students “feel a little better about math” and instill confidence in them, highlighting that “no one should cry over a math problem.”
Looking back at her educational journey, Ms. Sargent shared that what she loves about LBHS is “the students – [they] are all so kind and hard-working.” Finding herself near the beaches she once presided over as a South Laguna lifeguard, she feels at home as a Breaker.
Make sure to frequent the Peer Tutoring Lab! It’s an easy way to get free tutoring from someone you can also relate to. You can also say hi to Ms. Sargent, who no one will deny is one of the most welcoming people on campus. Math rocks!
